Topic: Suggestions on getting 24 bit audio from PC to stereo system?

[Darren]

I've been out of the audio collecting hobby for a while but still have a large number of shows I'd like to play from time to time.

This year I bought a laptop and my aim is to connect it to my stereo to hear the audio through the speakers.  However. my knowledge of technology is current to about 2009.  Can someone help?

I'll need what is calleda DAC (?) or a USB audio interface, right?  I just want to plug something into the USB of my laptop and then run the line outs of the device to my stereo.

Can someone suggest the right devise for me and provide links?

Thanks in advance.

[bryonsos]

This is what I use:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=156786.0

[DigiGal]

Check out the new Benchmark DAC2 HGC reviewed here

DAC2 HGC - 2-Channel Reference Stereo Preamplifier with Heaphone Amp and DSD D/A Converter | Benchmark Media






For about the same cost there's also the Grace M903 reviewed here

[it-goes-to-eleven]

There are plenty of inexpensive options out there.  I even use a UA5 for a lot of mastering type work - I feed it via USB and it goes to the stereo.  What I really like abut that is that the ua5 sits next to my keyboard and it has a convenient volume knob. I find a real volume knob essential for mastering content that has dramatic swings in volume, whether the output is to headphones or speakers.  The ua5 is no longer produced but they seem to be dirt cheap when they come up for sale ($50 comes to mind but I may be mistaken).  It's also handy for certain tests and transfers where I want realtime content on a PC.

As an alternative to USB, you might consider something that runs ethernet or wifi.  USB will always be distance limited.  I am still a big fan of the Squeezebox, and probably always will be.

[noahbickart]

http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=14

[dnsacks]

Stu:

Cheapest/easiest first step (if you haven't already determined it to not be good enough) would be to run an analogue cable from your laptop's headphone out directly into your stereo (1/8" stereo mini>rca pair) and see if this produces satisfactory results.  Some Laptops have surprisingly good analog outputs.  The suggestions made above are all likely better solutions, but doesn't hurt to try this first?

Another question -- does your stereo accept digital inputs (most recent home theater systems do)?  If it does, you may find that a usb device that provides a digital output would be best for your situation.

Darrin

[tapjunkie]

Music Direct has many options for this in many price ranges. (musicdirect.com)

http://www.musicdirect.com/c-690-usb-dacs.aspx

[adrianf74]

Does your laptop have HDMI out and does your receiver have HDMI in?  If so, that's the EASIEST way to get there.

[acidjack]

If you happen to have certain Macs like the MacBook Pro, it has a direct optical digital out (the headphone out is an auto-switchable optical digital out).  Assuming your stereo has optical digital inputs, just connect it and you're done.  I'm sure MacBook Pros aren't the only laptops with this option by any means.

Apple AirPlay will also stream wirelessly to an Airport Express or Apple TV connected to a stereo system.  I believe that's only 16 bit, though, if such things bother you.

When I'm not using one of the other above options, I use my USBPre2 to connect optically to my stereo, but that's only because I happen to already own the thing for use as a preamp.  It's not the economical choice for just this purpose, but if you're looking for a new pre anyway....

[scb]

Does your laptop have HDMI out and does your receiver have HDMI in?  If so, that's the EASIEST way to get there.

this

[Wiggler]

I would avoid HDMI for audio use it has the highest jitter rate of any interface.

[noahbickart]

I would avoid HDMI for audio use it has the highest jitter rate of any interface.

link?

[Wiggler]

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/8/82566.html

[noahbickart]

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/8/82566.html

Thanks.

[adrianf74]

Can be deemed to be audio snobbery and the question is, can you actually hear it?  I've got EXCELLENT hearing and never once have I heard anything seeming out of place.  That's not to say that it is or isn't perfect but I get sick of this stuff when it really makes "little to no difference."   

Analog audio produced worst results.  This has been talked about 'round and 'round on various forums including AVS.

Here was a recent thread from over there...

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1436150/hdmi-jitter/30